Disclaimer: I do not own "How to Train Your Dragon."
A/N: Hi, all, just wanted to give a quick little one-shot about Hiccup coping with the death of his father. Hope you enjoy!
They say that with every end, there is a new beginning. They just never said that that beginning is always harder to find.
My father… a great man, a chief, a people person, a warrior, but overall… a father. I always thought that he'd be around forever. How could a man that strong ever die? …But he did.
Hiccup stood on the edge of a peak, overlooking the setting sun. It glinted in his grieving orbs. He always loved dusk… he thought. He shook his head in remorse, "He's sailed off on the burning ship forever." He felt his eyes sting and quickly shut them. He would not cry, he had to be strong, for he was the Chief now. But how could he? Deep inside he felt like a frightened child, still shielded by his father, the man who would do anything to protect him… even sacrifice himself. He felt the pain return, "Come on, just go away!" he yelled, forcing the tears back again in a hoarse voice.
Toothless, who was busy eating nearby, heard his shout and thought it was directed to him. He cautiously approached the Viking with big round eyes thinking Hiccup was angry with him again. He cooed in a sad, confused tone. Hiccup turned to look at him, but couldn't find the words to speak, so he smiled sadly instead.
The dragon softly brushed his head against his shoulder. The attempt at comforting, only made his heart ache more, he clenched his teeth tight to refrain from crying. He opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a choked sob.
The Night Fury recoiled, thinking that he was hurting his rider, and analyzed him carefully. Hiccup growled inwardly. I'm so weak I can't even speak! He angrily slammed the dirt. This is why he died! I'm too weak, I'm always too weak! That's why I'm a Hiccup!
Toothless watched his entire display in concern, letting out small questioning barks which Hiccup ignored. He was too angry with himself to focus on anything else. I'm always in the wrong place at the wrong time! …Maybe it would have been better if I was hit by that plasma blast instead. His expression softened up a bit, this time fading into regret. He let out a small whisper of a voice, "If only I hadn't been so stupid as to think I made a difference. I thought I could have changed his mind… If only I'd listened to my father, maybe he'd still be here with me." His face fell again, his hands trembling in sorrow as his pain-filled eyes caught Toothless's, "I'm sorry, bud." He said, voice wavering. Despite the weird display, Toothless knew just by that glance, that Hiccup needed him, needed his comfort, whether he wanted it or not. So standing up, Toothless approached him and put his tail around him and sat tall beside him.
Hiccup did not as much as look at him, but could feel the Night Fury's gaze on his back. He closed his eyes willingly; feeling the final rays of the sun grace his face.
Toothless did not understand why his rider was so upset with him and why he was ignoring his offerings of comfort. He began to grow fearful. Maybe he was not wanted anymore. Maybe he has hurt him in some way that he cannot be forgiven. He didn't care though, despite all the possible hatred his rider had for him at the moment, he would not leave him. He would never leave him no matter what happened. He would die before he let anyone hurt Hiccup.
He felt the warmth of the dragon's side, felt the comforting presence, sniffed. No, no, don't cry, don't cry… He then was overcome by the memory of his father comforting him one day when he had been upset about his mother being dead. He remembered the reassuring smile on the bearded face, the large comforting hand that touched his forehead and most of all the heartfelt tone in his voice that assured him everything was going to be all right. He then looked up as the dragon's face drew near his, letting out a small, concerned whimper as his sympathetic eyes watched him.
He closed his eyes again, realizing that Toothless cared for him as much as his father had. Slowly, he reached for the dragon's face, then wrapped his arms around his head when it was low enough. The dragon cooed and nuzzled into the hug, but retracted as he felt wetness flow down his head. He then looked at the rider, eyes red and tears streaming down his cheeks. His chest rose and fell sharply in quick breaths and every so often he would sniff forcefully.
Toothless turned his head at the sight, slowly bringing his face to the sobbing Viking's. He sniffed and licked the tears from his cheek, feeling helpless in aiding his friend. He wanted to just tackle him to the ground and lick his face in the playful way he always would when the were having fun. Just anything to bring happiness to him.
Then, in a sudden motion, Hiccup jumped at the dragon and threw his arms around his large neck. And breaking his last restraint, he cried openly on the dragon. Normally Toothless would be alarmed by this, but the way his rider held him, the way he buried his face into his neck, and the way he was openly crying, told him that he was not angry with him, but he was grieving—grieving the loss of his father.
The revelation eased the dragon's mind and he looked down at his rider holding him tightly, knowing that he had to comfort his friend in order to make him feel better. And so he did. He closed his eyes and lowered his head onto Hiccup's shoulder, wrapping his own arms around him.
Hiccup felt the loving embrace and held the cooing dragon tightly. He smiled as the tears flowed down, understanding why his father had loved Toothless so much. You're not gone forever dad, he thought, A part of you will always live on in Toothless…